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It's December 11; Good Morning Union

“There is now therefore no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Romans 8:1

What a great reminder at this time of the year that BECAUSE Jesus came to this earth to fulfill the law, provide me an example and be my surety for salvation, that I can KNOW that I am NOT condemned IF I choose to remain “in Christ Jesus.” I may make mistakes (no, I DO make misteaks!) but God is eager to forgive AND to “cleanse me from ALL unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)

My wife was sharing with me the other day a section of a book by Philip Yancey entitled “Grace Notes.” I can’t say it better so I’ll just quote it! “There is only one way for any of us to resolve the tension between the high ideals of the gospel and the grim reality of ourselves: to accept that we will never measure up, but that we do not have to. Tolstoy got it halfway right: anything that makes me feel comfort with God’s moral standard, anything that makes me feel, ‘At last I have arrived,’ is a cruel deception. Dostoevsky got the other half right: anything that makes me feel discomfort with God’s forgiving love is also a cruel deception. ‘There is now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus,’ Paul insisted.” (from “Soul Survivor” p 145)

Eventually I must come to the place where I quit wrestling with that reality and accept that contrasting dual application of the gospel in my life. It’s contrasting nature is what causes the conflict in my journey toward Christ through Christianity. My uncomfortableness with trying to live up to the standards of a holy God prepares me for the gospel by revealing my inability to achieve holiness. My uncomfortableness with trying to earn God’s loving forgiveness provides for me the reality of the gospel- I can’t, but HE can! And all I’ll be able to do is say, “Thank you Jesus!”

Have a great day as a “Soul Survivor,”

Pastor Rich

Quote for the day: “It’s easier to put words into Jesus’ mouth than it is to bear the words that came out of His mouth." Facebook friend

PS Hour of Power will be in the church @ 7pm in the Heritage Room. All are welcome.

PPS Anyone interested in working with horses second semester? A lady needs some help one day a week for 4-5 hours taking care of and feeding horses. Volunteer hours for such an activity. If you are interested let me know.

PPPS FYI- An all-time record low, world-wide, was set last night! -136° in Antarctica! And it’s summer down there!! Now that makes Lincoln seem pretty warm, doesn’t it! J